Best practices for the Web

Using the CMS?

Come learn about using the University's content management system (CMS). CMS Manual

Additional best practices to consider:

Pages that are no longer current should be removed or archived to prevent outdated information from reaching visitors via search.

Use valid XHTML and CSS and test using a validator like the ones provided by the World Wide Web Consortium (www.w3.org).

Test for accessibility using WebXACT(formerly known as Bobby- http://webxact.watchfire.com), a free online service to test pages of web content for quality, accessibility, and privacy issues.

Add meta tags that describe page content and enhance search results.

Add meta information to PDF and Word Downloads.

Test pages in multiple browsers.

When redesigning a site, test new site designs in JAWS or another screen reading software to determine potential accessibility and usability issues.

Technologies such as JavaScript and Flash should be used to enhance content; however, your page's core content should be viewable by all browsers, including those that do not support JavaScript and Flash.